Which 2025 NFL Draft picks have excelled so far? Our early All-Rookie Team
So much about making an impact as an NFL rookie — especially early in the season — comes down to opportunity. And the first-year players on this list have seized their opportunities and played well through a quarter of the 2025 season.
For the most part, the rookies we expected to make an immediate impact have done just that — there are a lot of first-rounders on this list. But some Day 2 and Day 3 picks have been pleasant surprises.
Our NFL All-Rookie Team through the first month of the season:
Quarterback
Cam Ward, Tennessee Titans (Round 1, No. 1 pick)
Jayden Daniels made this pick easy last year. This season? Not so much.
Jaxson Dart helping the Giants to a win in his first NFL start and Ward’s team playing like “ass” (his word, not mine) made this a tougher call. But, despite an 0-4 start and an offense scoring 12.8 points per game, Ward hasn’t been the root of Tennessee’s rough start.
His stats are very mediocre: 51.2 percent completions, two touchdowns and two interceptions over his first four pro starts. And I’m not looking to make excuses for Ward, because some of the concerns I had about him as a prospect are still there on his NFL tape. But the positive flashes are promising, despite an offensive structure that seems to be sabotaging his development.
Honestly, Ward gets the nod because he is the only rookie quarterback with enough of a sample size to judge at this point. With Dart now the starter in New York, however, Ward will need to overcome unfavorable surroundings and orchestrate a Titans turnaround to stay in the top spot.
Runner-up: Jaxson Dart, New York Giants (Round 1, No. 25)
Credit to Dart for giving the Giants a jolt of energy. He was at his best in a win over the Chargers using his legs and did just enough as a passer to move the offense. He lived primarily underneath (10 of 13 completions came within 9 yards of the line of scrimmage) but avoided the killer mistake and played like he belonged.
With Philadelphia on the Giants’ schedule twice in the next four weeks, we will learn much more about Dart in October.
Honorable mention: Dillon Gabriel (Browns)
Running back
Omarion Hampton, Los Angeles Chargers (Round 1, No. 22)
Ashton Jeanty made this a close call with his breakout performance Sunday, but Hampton has been the more consistent back.
Hampton leads all rookies in scrimmage yards (380) and first downs (19) and is averaging more yards per carry (5.0, compared to Jeanty’s 4.1). He posted his first 100-yard rushing game against the Giants on Sunday, despite seeing only 12 carries, highlighted by a 54-yard touchdown run in the third quarter.
When targeted in the passing game, Hampton has been a reliable option for Justin Herbert. He leads all rookie backs in targets (16), catches (14), receiving yards (110) and drops (zero). With Najee Harris out for the season, Hampton will have every opportunity to stay atop the rookie running back rankings.
Runner-up: Ashton Jeanty, Las Vegas Raiders (Round 1, No. 6)
The Jeanty we’ve been waiting for showed up against the Bears. After collecting 147 total yards and one touchdown on 47 touches over the first three games, Jeanty accounted for 155 total yards and three touchdowns on 23 touches Sunday.
One of the best pass-catching backs I’ve scouted the last few years, Jeanty still isn’t seeing enough targets. But he turned both of his receptions Sunday into touchdowns, so his usage in the passing game should increase. One more encouraging trend: After having zero carries of 10-plus yards in Week 1, Jeanty had two, three and five in Weeks 2-4, respectively. He’s tied for the NFL lead with 10 carries of 10-plus yards.
Honorable mentions: Quinshon Judkins (Browns), Cam Skattebo (Giants), Woody Marks (Texans), Jacory Croskey-Merritt (Commanders), Bhayshul Tuten (Jaguars), TreVeyon Henderson (Patriots)
Wide receiver
Emeka Egbuka, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Round 1, No. 19)
If the season ended today, Egbuka would be the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year.
He leads all rookies with 282 receiving yards and four receiving touchdowns, third most in the NFL behind only Rome Odunze and Amon-Ra St. Brown. And with neither Mike Evans nor Chris Godwin at 100 percent, Egbuka will continue to be a favorite target of Baker Mayfield.
Of the four wide receivers drafted in the first round in April, Egbuka was the lone senior and had the most pro-ready skill set, so it isn’t a surprise to see his hot start. His teammates rave about his intelligence and veteran presence for a rookie, traits that allow Tampa to use him at any of the three receiver positions.
THREAD. THE. NEEDLE. 🙌
📺: #PHIvsTB on FOX pic.twitter.com/PvzwofE9hY
— Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Buccaneers) September 28, 2025
Runner-up: Tetairoa McMillan, Carolina Panthers (Round 1, No. 8)
There aren’t a ton of positive takeaways when studying the Panthers’ offense, but McMillan is definitely one of them. He is tied with Egbuka for the rookie lead in receptions (18), and although he is still searching for his first NFL touchdown, he leads all first-year players in first-down catches (15) — 83.3 percent of his catches have moved the chains.
As a team, the Panthers have 12 plays of 20-plus yards; McMillan is responsible for seven of them. Only Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Puka Nacua have more.
Honorable mentions: Matthew Golden (Packers), Elic Ayomanor (Titans), Travis Hunter (Jaguars), Luther Burden III (Bears), Tory Horton (Seahawks), Jayden Higgins (Texans), Isaac TeSlaa (Lions), Dont’e Thornton Jr. (Raiders), Jaylin Lane (Commanders)
Tight end
Tyler Warren, Indianapolis Colts (Round 1, No. 14)
Like Egbuka, Warren arrived in the NFL as a no-assembly-required product ready to hit the ground running. And he hasn’t disappointed.
With 263 yards receiving, Warren ranks No. 1 among all NFL tight ends, not just the rookies. He also ranks No. 2 in first downs (13, one behind Trey McBride) and No. 2 in yards after catch (147, 10 behind Tucker Kraft). Warren doesn’t have a touchdown catch yet, but he found the end zone Sunday with a goal-line carry.
Not only has Warren been impactful as a pass catcher, but his blocking (sometimes as a fullback) has been a net positive for the Colts’ offense. We talked all offseason about the potential impact of Indianapolis adding a weapon at tight end, and Warren has brought those ideas to fruition.
Runner-up: Harold Fannin Jr., Cleveland Browns (Round 3, No. 67)
With 17 receptions through four games, Fannin joins Warren as the only rookie tight ends with more than a dozen catches. As Fannin arrived from the MAC as one of the youngest players in the 2025 draft class, it was fair to wonder how long it would take him to adapt to an NFL offense. But the rookie curve has been minimal — Fannin leads all NFL tight ends with seven forced missed tackles.
He will become even more of a weapon for Kevin Stefanski’s offense as his run blocking develops.
Honorable mentions: Jackson Hawes (Bills), Mason Taylor (Jets), Oronde Gadsden II (Chargers), Gunnar Helm (Titans), Colston Loveland (Bears), Mitchell Evans (Panthers), Elijah Arroyo (Seahawks)
Offensive tackle
Armand Membou, New York Jets (Round 1, No. 7)
Membou has been the best rookie offensive lineman in the NFL through four weeks. Full stop.
He set a high bar in Week 1 with one of the best NFL debuts we have seen, which included several impressive reps versus Steelers star T.J. Watt. Although he hasn’t been perfect since then, there has been very little drop-off in his play, and he has graded very well as both a run blocker and in pass protection. His college tape showed a blocker with tremendous balance and the finishing strength to consistently counter what defenses threw at him, and his NFL tape has been more of the same (with even more pancakes).
Still just 21, Membou looks like a cornerstone player for the Jets.
Runner-up: Will Campbell, New England Patriots (Round 1, No. 4)
After a rocky debut in the opener, with a couple of penalties and a sack allowed, Campbell didn’t allow any pressures in Week 2 against the Dolphins. Then on Sunday against the Panthers, he put together the best performance of his brief NFL career, both as a pass protector and run blocker. Campbell has quickly helped stabilize a left tackle position that was a massive hole for New England last season.
Honorable mentions: Josh Simmons (Chiefs), Kelvin Banks Jr. (Saints)
Interior offensive line
Grey Zabel, Seattle Seahawks (Round 1, No. 18)
No rookie has taken a snap at center yet, but several of the first-year guards — led by Zabel — have been quality players.
After playing mostly left or right tackle in college, Zabel has settled in well at left guard for Seattle. His light feet, natural flexibility and strong hands were reasons to be excited about his college tape, and all of those have translated well to the pro game. His quickness often gives him an upper hand to wall off lanes or square off rushers (zero sacks allowed).
One more tidbit: Of the 15 rookie offensive linemen with at least 100 snaps this season, only Membou and Zabel have yet to commit a penalty.
Runner-up: Tate Ratledge, Detroit Lions (Round 2, No. 57)
Even before Frank Ragnow decided to hang it up, the Ratledge-Detroit marriage was one of my favorites in the 2025 draft because of Ratledge’s fit with head coach Dan Campbell. The pairing became even more critical once Ragnow announced his retirement in June.
Ratledge has started from day one at right guard. He had several bumpy moments in the opener versus Green Bay but bounced back strong against the Bears and Ravens.
Honorable mentions: Tyler Booker (Cowboys), Dylan Fairchild (Bengals), Jared Wilson (Patriots), Donovan Jackson (Vikings), Jonah Savaiinaea (Dolphins), Connor Colby (49ers)
Edge defender
Abdul Carter, New York Giants (Round 1, No. 2)
It’s no surprise that Carter, the first defensive player selected in the 2025 draft, lands in this top spot. It hasn’t looked perfect — he’s had too many missed tackles and penalties as the Giants have tweaked his alignment and role. But Carter leads all rookies in pressures (19) and ranks top 10 in the NFL, just behind Browns star Myles Garrett (22) and Giants teammate Brian Burns (20).
After seeing most of his snaps as an off-ball linebacker in Week 3, Carter moved back to edge defender against the Chargers on Sunday and responded with a career-best eight pressures as he terrorized Justin Herbert all game (five quarterback hits and four hurries). Dart wasn’t the only Giants rookie to have a substantial impact in the upset victory.
Runner-up: Mykel Williams, San Francisco 49ers (Round 1, No. 11)
After Carter, there is a decent-sized gap to whoever you think has been the second-most impressive rookie edge.
Though it’s certainly up for debate, I’m going with Williams, who leads all rookies in tackles for loss (3) and is second on the 49ers in pressures (10). As someone who just turned 21 a few months ago, Williams is a very young player — and it shows on the field. But San Francisco is giving him starter-level snaps, and he has held his own, with his best performance coming in Week 3 versus the Cardinals.
Honorable mentions: Jalon Walker (Falcons), James Pearce Jr. (Falcons), Mike Green (Ravens), Nic Scourton (Panthers), Oluwafemi Oladejo (Titans), Jordan Burch (Cardinals), Donovan Ezeiruaku (Cowboys), Jack Sawyer (Steelers)
Defensive tackle
Mason Graham, Cleveland Browns (Round 1, No. 5)
Graham leads all rookie interior defensive linemen in snaps played (180), tackles (11) and pressures (seven). He has been more inconsistent than you would like for a top-five pick, but he has put impact-level flashes on film — especially in Cleveland’s Week 3 upset of the Packers.
This isn’t a strong position for first-year players, so Graham gets the top spot based on those sporadic flashes. It is too early for regrets, but given the Browns’ offensive line woes and Membou’s performance, Cleveland has to be hoping Graham improves his consistency and lives up to his draft spot.
Runner-up: Jamaree Caldwell, Los Angeles Chargers (Round 3, No. 86)
The 12th player selected at his position in April, Caldwell has outplayed several of the defensive tackles who came off the board before him. He has been a steadying presence against the run while coming off the bench for the Chargers and has flashed some pass-rush juice (see his Week 2 tape versus Las Vegas).
A former walk-on in the juco and FBS ranks, Caldwell (who is already 25) was an easy player to appreciate as a prospect because of his competitive makeup and talent.
Honorable mentions: Elijah Roberts (Buccaneers), Tyleik Williams (Lions), Deone Walker (Bills), Yahya Black (Steelers), Jordan Phillips (Dolphins), Kenneth Grant (Dolphins), Adin Huntington (Browns), Derrick Harmon (Steelers)
Linebacker
Carson Schwesinger, Cleveland Browns (Round 2, No. 33)
Hopefully they stay healthy, because Schwesinger and Jihaad Campbell should be locked in a fun battle for the top rookie linebacker spot all season.
The rookie leader in tackles with 31, Schwesinger has been flying all over the field, making plays sideline to sideline. Just like his college tape, his closing burst and break-down skills in space have been outstanding, allowing him to keep missed tackles to a minimum. Schwesinger has also been an asset in coverage — he’s yet to allow a catch of more than 10 yards.
The one area of concern about his game throughout the draft process was his ability (or lack thereof) to take on contact at the line, but that hasn’t been an issue for him so far. Schwesinger is making a strong push for NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year.
First of many for @C_Schwesinger!!#GBvsCLE on FOX & NFL+ pic.twitter.com/V9dv0NSyGp
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) September 21, 2025
Runner-up: Jihaad Campbell, Philadelphia Eagles (Round 1, No. 31)
Were Campbell a stock, I would urge you to buy now before the price gets ridiculous. He has been terrific in coverage, including his first NFL interception Sunday against Baker Mayfield, and the Eagles have yet to unleash him as a pass rusher. Though he doesn’t always see things immediately in the box, Campbell is getting better with each game — and he’s the type of athlete who can easily make things right. He ranks No. 5 among all rookies in tackles (22) and rarely leaves the field.
Honorable mentions: Teddye Buchanan (Ravens), Demetrius Knight Jr. (Bengals), Danny Stutsman (Saints), Shaun Dolac (Rams), Carson Bruener (Steelers)
Cornerback
Jacob Parrish, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Round 3, No. 84)
The Buccaneers invested in their secondary on draft weekend, and it has paid immediate dividends. After emerging as a viable nickel during training camp, Parrish helped stabilize the back end of Tampa Bay’s defense.
He has been terrific working downhill (tied for second among all rookies with three tackles for loss) and sticky in coverage (two passes defended, zero receptions allowed of more than 10 yards, according to PFF). His speed, fluidity and aggressive nature made it easy to bet on him as a prospect, and — so far — Parrish has outplayed his draft slot.
Runner-up: Will Johnson, Arizona Cardinals (Round 2, No. 47)
With four passes defended over the season’s first two weeks, Johnson was trending toward being the NFL’s top rookie corner. After missing the last two games because of injury, though, he falls to the runner-up spot here.
Thanks to his cover instincts and reactionary athleticism, Johnson has the talent to be a Pro Bowler one day. But he fell on draft weekend because of durability concerns, and those have been an issue for him again as a rookie. (Johnson returned to practice this week, which is a promising sign.)
Honorable mentions: Trey Amos (Commanders), Billy Bowman Jr. (Falcons), Upton Stout (49ers), Denzel Burke (Cardinals), Dorian Strong (Bills), Benjamin Morrison (Buccaneers)
Safety
Xavier Watts, Atlanta Falcons (Round 3, No. 96)
Hard to believe, I know, but the player who made a habit of taking the ball away in college (13 combined interceptions over his final two years at Notre Dame) is the only rookie with multiple interceptions in 2025.
Watts leads all first-year safeties in both passes defended (four) and interceptions (two), and he has shown the same field vision and range that he put on his college tape. Because of his college production, many in the league expected Watts to be drafted within the top two rounds, so he was a gift for the Falcons late in Round 3.
Through four weeks, Watts is on the short list of NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year candidates.
X MARKS THE INTERCEPTION
CBS | NFL+ pic.twitter.com/qeoOaxfZ4M
— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) September 28, 2025
Runner-up: Andrew Mukuba, Philadelphia Eagles (Round 2, No. 64)
It has been an up-and-down NFL start for Mukuba, who’s had multiple missed plays in coverage (see Egbuka’s 77-yard touchdown). But his positives have been memorable, as well, including an interception and sack of Patrick Mahomes in Week 2. Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio has praised Mukuba’s fearlessness and ability to digest the playbook as he continues to put more on his plate each week.
Honorable mentions: Jonas Sanker (Saints), Malaki Starks (Ravens), Craig Woodson (Patriots), Marques Sigle (49ers), Malachi Moore (Jets), Lathan Ransom (Panthers)
Special teams
Kicker: Tyler Loop, Baltimore Ravens (Round 6, No. 186)
Honorable mentions: Andres Borregales (Patriots), Ryan Fitzgerald (Panthers)
Punter: Jeremy Crawshaw, Denver Broncos (Round 6, No. 216)
Honorable mention: Kai Kroeger (Jets)
(Top photo of Emeka Egbuka: Kevin C. Cox / Getty Images)
